Press Releases

Darford celebrates 30 years of baked goodness And it just keeps getting better!

Vernon, British Columbia Canada

Darford is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and continues to produce premium treats trusted and favored by a growing number of pet parents.

Since 1987, the Darford brand has grown from a local favorite to one that has become known across North America for its premium quality and natural ingredients. Darford treats are made with real meat, real cheese and real vegetables and fruits. They never contain artificial colors or flavors, no meat by-products or meals, and no added salt. Pet parents feel confident feeding Darford treats because of the care and attention that goes into every batch. Rigorous quality control guidelines are followed at every stage, ensuring treats are safe, healthy and flavorful.

As the humanization trend evolves within the growing pet industry, Darford continues to lead the way, making treats with limited ingredients, no gluten and no GMOs. This ensures that the growing number of dogs with food allergies and intolerances can have their favorite flavors without comprising their health.

Darford also offers functional grain free treats that provide additional health benefits. Treats that are good for dogs’ skin and coats, their hips and joints, their disgestive systems and their weight; all important components for keeping our best friends healthy and active.

Darford treats are available in a variety of flavors, in packaged and bulk, and in mini and regular sizes. With 64 SKUs to choose from, retailers can offer a variety of flavors to meet their customers’ needs. Display options are also available, providing retailers with a complete merchandising solution.

While we can’t venture a guess as to how many treats we’ve baked in 30 years, we do know we’ve baked enough to become flavor favorites across Canada and the U.S. It all comes back to the ingredients, because when it comes right down to it, what’s in a Darford treat is just as important as what isn’t.

Darford ~ all natural, premium oven-baked treats made with the finest ingredients ~ since 1987.

Darford ZERO/G Minis with Limited Ingredients A healthy treat alternative for all dogs, big or small

Vernon, British Columbia Canada

Darford’s new ZERO/G™ Mini dog treats contain limited ingredients and each ingredient packs a powerful punch of nutritional goodness. Oven baked and loaded with superfoods, including quinoa, cranberries, blueberries and kelp, these treats are also rich in protein and feature meat or fish as the number one ingredient. That means no grains, no gluten and no GMOs—the very things that dogs don’t need, and only those ingredients they do.

Perfect for those dogs with allergies or intolerances to grains, gluten and potatoes, the new ZERO/G Minis also provide dogs with necessary vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, Omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, added fiber and protein. And, because they are low glycemic, they can help stabilize dogs’ blood sugar and energy levels, helpful in preventing a variety of health concerns. ZERO/G Minis are a perfect addition to any dog’s diet, and are ideal for small dogs, or as training treats for large dogs.

“Darford’s new ZERO/G Minis will provide pet parents with a premium treat that will satisfy their dogs’ needs, regardless of their size,” says Patrick Westbrook, director of sales for Darford. “If allergies are a concern, they can feel confident knowing that the ZERO/G line has limited ingredients, yet still have all the nutritional benefits their dogs deserve and need. And, with a high inclusion of protein, these treats are always a flavor favorite.”

ZERO/G Minis are available in four delicious flavors: Roasted Duck, Roasted Lamb, Roasted Salmon and Roasted Chicken; and will be available this April in 15-pound bulk boxes.

ZERO/G™ treats are available in four delicious flavors that dogs will love: Roasted Duck, Roasted Lamb, Roasted Salmon and Roasted Chicken. Real meat is always the number one ingredient, ensuring the treats are rich in protein and in flavor.

“Our new ZERO/G treats offer all the nutritional benefits that pet parents want, and all the flavor that dogs love,” says Darford’s director of sales Patrick Westbrook. “They only contain real meat and no meals, plus they have a nutrient-rich blend of superfoods. ZERO/G treats also have limited ingredients and don’t contain grains, gluten or GMOs.”

The superfoods found in Darford’s ZERO/G™ provide dogs with numerous nutritional benefits including vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, Omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, added fiber and protein. They are a perfect addition to any dog’s diet, but particularly for those dogs suffering from allergies or with food sensitivities to grains, gluten and potatoes.

Available in case packs of six – 340 gram/12 oz. bags, Darford’s new ZERO/G™ dog treats come in re-sealable bags and will be available to ship at the end of August 2016.

Darford has been baking premium natural dog treats since 1987 in a variety of tasty, healthy flavors. Darford uses only the best ingredients, follows rigorous quality control guidelines and bakes all of its treats in its own ovens–right here in Canada.

Darford introduces a brand new line of treats, a smaller bulk box and a new size treat in its premium Grain Free Functional line—and all were launched at Global Pet Expo 2016.

The Naturals Wheat Free line in bulk offers three new flavors of wheat-free treats: Bacon, Cheddar Cheese and Peanut Butter. These new cookie-shaped treats are made with all natural ingredients and rye flour instead of wheat flour. This makes them perfect for those dogs with wheat sensitivities. The combination of barley, oats, rye and rice flour offer a nutrient-packed line up and are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol and benefit intestinal health.

“We are excited to be launching the new Naturals Wheat Free line and we think it will serve a growing segment of our customer base,” says Patrick Westbrook, director of sales for Darford. “More pet owners have dogs with food sensitivities, and they need treat options that can meet their pets’ nutritional demands.”

This is why Darford has also launched new sizes in its premium Grain Free Functional line. Two flavors—Healthy Skin & Coat and Healthy Hip & Joint—are now available in the new regular-size signature heart shape. Already available in the mini hearts, the new larger size will provide large dogs with a more usable, and healthy, treat option. Darford’s Healthy Skin & Coat treats feature Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. The Healthy Hip & Joint treats have added glucosamine and chondroitin. Other Grain Free Functional SKUs include Healthy Weight Management and Healthy Digestion, both available in minis.

And, it’s now easier than ever before for retailers to showcase and sell Darford’s 32 bulk SKUs. Darford has reduced the size of its bulk boxes to 12 pounds for Naturals and 15 pounds for Grain Free. This provides the following benefits:

Retailers can display nine boxes on the bulk rack instead of six

Faster sell through, fresher treats

Better selection for customers

Less cost per case

New bulk boxes have already begun shipping to distribution as of April 1, 2016.

Darford has been baking premium natural dog treats since 1987. Darford uses only the best ingredients, follows rigorous quality control guidelines and bakes all of its treats in its own ovens—right here in Canada.

Known for its high-quality, natural and healthy treats, Darford is pleased to introduce four new functional treats, three new flavors and a new Jumbo size, in the already popular Grain Free line.

Hip & Joint, with turkey as the first ingredient, and Skin & Coat, with salmon as the first ingredient, will be available in the Mini size as well as the brand new Jumbo size. And, three new flavors in the Grain Free Minis are also being introduced – Bacon, Pumpkin and Peanut Butter. All seven SKUs are available in 19-pound bulk boxes.

In addition to the treats, Darford will also be introducing new sealable bulk bags to compliment its bulk rack, making it easier for customers to choose Darford’s bulk treats. With more than 30 bulk flavors and sizes available, pet parents can choose a variety of their pooches’ favorite flavors.

“We’re excited to be launching so many new skus this spring,” says Dave Caras, Darford’s SVP of Sales. “The new sizes and flavors are what many of our customers have been asking for; Grain Free Pumpkin, Bacon and Peanut Butter have been extremely popular flavors; and the new functional treats will help pet parents provide their dogs with that extra measure of care.” Caras says customers can expect to see the new skus in retail outlets later this spring.

Darford’s Grain Free treats are gluten free and contain all natural ingredients. The flavor represents the first ingredient in the treats, making them a healthy addition to any dog’s diet. And they come in three sizes, just right for every size of dog.

Darford is known for its natural, healthy treats. In operation since 1987, Darford bakes all of its own treats in its own facilities, which are located in both the U.S. and Canada. Carefully sourced ingredients, with no meat by-products, no preservatives, no added salt, corn or soy, and no ingredients from China means the highest quality treats for your best four-legged friend.